﻿The Masterpieces of Minoan Civilization

This day tour comprises the highlight of Minoan civilization led by our expert guide, the best wine experience of Crete (or Olive Oil, alternatively), delicious food and panoramic view - get your camera ready!

The re-built Knossos Archaeological site was at the heart of Minoan civilisation while the Archaeological Museum of Heraklionhas collected the exquisite finds and selected assortment of Minoan masterpieces from across the island. Crete is home to wonderful wine varieties. Exotic-sounding vilana, kostifali, vidiano are only some of the Cretan indigenous grapes. Wine making in Crete can be traced down to antiquity and Cretan winemakers have managed to produce excellent, award-winning wines. On of them – the renowned family-owned winery where we will enjoy the winetasting.The lunch in a small, traditional, family-owner taverns home-grown and freshly prepared delicacies is a must and not an exception during our tours. Here is the opportunity to get the taste of truly authentic Cretan dishes.The sacred Mount Yuchtaswas the first Minoan peak sanctuary and the final resting place of the greatest God of Greek Antiquity- Zeus. Enjoy the breathtaking view over the North coast of Crete and collect your own wild herbs. Catch a glimpse of a traditional village life in Archanes - wonder its narrow pathways where a life takes place hidden from the public eye; village's main square, where the Cretans gather around the glass of raki (local spirit) and play with their komboloi, are the social centres of the island.

It is a full day tour (6 - 8 hours), either from Heraklion (about 1 ha driving time, roundtrip), Agios Nikolaos area (2.5 ha driving time, roundtrip) or Rethymno area (2.5 ha driving time, roundtrip).

Highlights of the Tour

Explore the Knossos Archaeological site - the heart of the Minoan kingdom and the story about once-upon-the-time most fascinating ancient city in the world (2 ha)

Smooth the dense Minoan-soaked experience by tasting some of best wine varieties of Crete at renowned family-owned winery in Crete's winemaking region​ (1.5 ha)

OR - Visit the Olive Oil Farm

Delicious lunch and a great, home-cooked food experience ​in a small, family-owned village tavern - one of the best food finds in area (1.5 ha)

Enjoy breathtaking view from sacred Mount Juktas - over the North Coast of Crete and light your candle in a small chapel on the mountaintop (1.5 ha)

Catch a glimpse of a traditional village life in Archanes - its narrow pathways and

​Note: this is a private tour and can be modified according to your interests and preferences

Learn the early mythology of King Minos and the Minoans, and feel the ruins of ancient cities come to life in the company of our guides - all of whom are experts. Please write info@secretsofcrete.com for pricing.